HC Deb 12 March 1919 vol 113 c1296W
Sir F. HALL

asked (1) the Food Controller whether he will undertake without delay to so amend the Intoxicating Liquor (Output and Delivery) Order, 1919, as to remove the inequality which exists as between the brewer in Great Britain and the brewer in Ireland, under which Irish brewers are permitted to manufacture their beers up to an average gravity of 1,047 degrees, while in England, Wales, and Scotland brewers may not produce their beers at an average gravity above 1,032 degrees, whereby Irish brewers are put in a preferential position for competing in home and export beer markets;

(2) the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, though brewers in Great Britain are compelled to brew their beer at an average gravity not exceeding 1,032 degrees, brewers in Ireland are permitted to brew at an average gravity not exceeding 1,047 degrees, practically half as high again; and whether he will take steps to put brewers throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland on an equality in this matter, so that brewers in Great Britain may no longer be seriously handicapped in their home and export trade in higher gravity ales and stout?

Mr. McCURDY

The Food Controller has this question under review and expects to be able at an early date to provide for the adjustment of the present difference between the average gravities permitted in Great Britain and Ireland respectively.